A LUMINOUS COMPANION TO SGR-1806-20

We have obtained infrared spectra of the star suggested to be the coun terpart of the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) 1806-20. We found strong emission lines similar to those seen in the spectra of the rare lumino us blue variables and B[e] stars. A He I absorption line is also seen, from which we infer a spectral type O9-B2. This classification, in co mbination with the minimum distance of greater than or similar to 6 kp c inferred from its extinction, makes the star one of the most luminou s in the Galaxy. We infer that it is a companion to SGR 1806-20 and su ggest that the presence of a companion is somehow related to the SGR p henomenon.